AFC U-20 Asian Cup: Seong-min’s Penalty Heroics Propel Korea Republic to Semifinals
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Synopsis
In a thrilling quarter-final, Korea Republic triumphed over Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. This victory secures their place in the semifinals of the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Key Takeaways
- Korea Republic defeated Uzbekistan in a penalty shootout.
- The match ended 3-3 after regulation time.
- Hong Seong-min saved two penalties, becoming the hero.
- Korea Republic will face Saudi Arabia in the semifinals.
- This win secures a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.
Shenzhen, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Korea Republic has made a thrilling advancement to the semifinals of the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup following a nail-biting 3-2 victory in a penalty shootout against the reigning champions Uzbekistan, after their quarter-final match concluded in a 3-3 tie.
This exhilarating game, which took place on Sunday in Shenzhen, witnessed the Korea Republic initially establishing a strong 3-1 advantage before Uzbekistan launched a fierce late-game comeback, scoring twice in the dying moments of regulation to equalize.
Despite their earlier lead, the Korea Republic faced intense pressure when Uzbekistan equalized at 3-3, pushing the match into extra time. Both teams failed to secure a decisive goal during the additional period, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout.
This triumph granted the Korea Republic a ticket to the semifinals against Saudi Arabia and a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup set for Chile in 2025. Additionally, this victory is a significant milestone in their pursuit of a record-setting 13th AFC U-20 Asian Cup title.
The lineup for the Korea Republic featured several fresh faces compared to their last group stage encounter, with captain Kim Tae-won and six other players reinstated in the starting eleven. Uzbekistan also made three changes, with their captain Muhammadali Urinboev aiming to score in his fourth consecutive match.
The match was packed with excitement from the start. Hong Seong-min thwarted a penalty from Urinboev in the second minute, while both teams created multiple opportunities. Uzbekistan took the lead in the 18th minute with a slight touch from Asilbek Jumaev diverting a corner. The Korea Republic quickly equalized with Shin Min-ha scoring in the 24th minute and adding another in the 56th minute. A critical interception from Lee Geon-hee set up Tae-won for a third goal. However, Uzbekistan managed to level the score again through Abdugafur Haydarov in the final moments, leading to extra time and penalties.
The real hero of the match was goalkeeper Hong Seong-min, who made two crucial saves during the penalty shootout, securing the Korea Republic's progression.
